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The world of Juro is divided into multiple culturally diverse regions, many with power-hungry leaders intent on expanding their territories and spreading the cruel brutality of slavery into the free world. Hidden agendas and secret alliances conjure a nest of vipers that make for a formidable foe. Astria Sannfjaer is all too familiar with the challenge of fighting against this evil. Having lost all the family and friends she held dear, she is desperate to find a cure for the Quarajii curse that is threatening her life and that of her beloved dragon Zephyr. Hunted by her enemies and haunted by the memory of the Quarajii warrior-prince who cursed her, Astria follows the advice of the village seer. She and her old friend, the dragon Vandrare, travel to the south seeking the Singers and a cure.
But the famous College of Singers is much more than what it seems. Renowned for producing highly skilled artists and keepers of the oral history, the College is also home to a sect of the Order of Ancients, a clandestine network of spies committed to unlocking the forgotten past and preventing the return of the Chaos. Honing her vocal talent and assuming a new identity, Astria uses the access of the college and the connections of the order to travel far and wide in search of a cure. She is accompanied by the giant Tor and the dwarf Ash, fellow members of both the college and the order who once fought against the evil Imperator. This unlikely trio forms a troupe whose performances take them from lowly taverns to illustrious palaces. But, in the end, Astria's efforts to find a cure culminate in a choice between saving her life and saving her soul.
This second book in the Dragons' War series is another epic tale filled with elements of magic, dragons, and curses. Award-winning author Strong opens with rich imagery, transporting readers back to the natural beauty and vicious savagery found in the fantastical world of Juro. He introduces entertaining new characters in the form of bards whose antics and raunchy verses inject a touch of humor. Strategically placed flashbacks provide extensive backstories that create convincing and engaging character depth and development. As always, Strong's ability to skillfully portray his characters' humanity and convey their full range of emotions draws readers into the story. He delivers an inspirational depiction of a strong yet wounded heroine who perseveres despite tragedy and fights to stay true to her values.
Political intrigue and the constant threat of danger further ensure that readers are fully invested in the story's outcome. Strong crafts a masterful characterization of the ruthless viciousness of the Sulerian Empress Ah-Al Mamuot and the cunning brutality of the Quarajii Prince Senekx Kurak. Unlike many authors whose villains are one-dimensional and inexplicably evil, Strong explores the origin stories, fears, and motivations of his antagonists. He also weaves clues about Juro's elusive history and teases readers with Astria's potential role in prophecy. The result is a rich tapestry of plots and subplots with a colorful cast of characters and a compelling sense of mystery.